Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
NYPD

It’s Man Vs. Car in NYC and Tim Robbins is “The Rectifier”

Granted, I always secretly hoped that Tom Hanks would play the Aaron Naparstek role in "Honku: The Movie" but Tim Robbins' new film "Noise" is, without question, the early runner-up for Streetsblog's 2008 Movie of the Year:

David (Oscar-winner and New York City resident Tim Robbins) is a successful lawyer who can’t standthe fact that Manhattan is a place where it’s too noisy to get a goodnight’s sleep, listen to classical music, or even make love to his wifewithout disturbance. Every time David hears a car alarm going off, heswings into action. Adopting the guise of “The Rectifier,” he engagesin acts of vandalism that satisfy him immensely but which generate noend of grief from his wife (Bridget Moynahan). They also make himpolitically controversial when he provokes the ire of the city’sarrogant mayor (Oscar-winner William Hurt).

Best of all, "Noise" offers up the most concise and accurate summary of NYPD traffic enforcement policy I've ever seen:

"You don't come when the car is attacking us, only when we're attacking the car."

-- Tim Robbins to New York City police officer.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Safe Streets, Workers Rights, Crash Victims Targeted By Big Tech In Super Bowl Ads

Some Super Bowl commercials are ads. And some are warning shots.

February 10, 2026

Opinion: The City, Not Just Lyft, Deserves Blame for Citi Bike’s Winter Mess

The Mamdani administration should fine Lyft for falling short of its contractual obligations — and reward it for meeting or surpassing them.

February 10, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: A Gateway to Nothing Edition

The Gateway Tunnel project remains stalled to allow President Trump to appeal. Plus other news from a busy day.

February 10, 2026

Queens Pol Trolls Her Own Constituents From Her Ticket-Covered Lincoln As They March For Car-Free Parks

Queens Council Member Joann Ariola mocked her own constituents in an "adolescent" and "antagonistic" move just because some people want a car-free park.

February 9, 2026

Snow Problem: Can New York City Handle Big Winter Storms Anymore?

There are eight million people in the big city. And 32 million opinions on the Mamdani administration's response to its first snow crisis.

February 9, 2026

Video: Another Way The Snow Reveals Our Misallocation of Public Space

New Yorkers barely use their cars and, instead, use them to seize public space.

February 9, 2026
See all posts